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High-entropy carbides are a class of ultra high temperature ceramics that are expected to have improved corrosion resistance due to entropic stabilization as well as the ability to have tailored chemical compositions that will aid in passivation. This project aims to determine the optimized compositions for oxidation corrosion and develop the material to position NASA as a leader in this emerging field of materials technology. MSFC has already demonstrated expertise with the development of mixed solid solution carbides for use in NTP applications using the spark plasma sintering machine onsite. We plan to evaluate four high entropy compositions that show promise for being highly passivating as well as corrosion resistant using this same system. Afterwards we will evaluate the compositions in air-based corrosion environments in excess of 1700˚C and further characterize the material with XRD and SEM/EDS. This will culminate in a write up on these compositions with a potential NTR on compositions of interest. If successful we plan to propose CANs with industry partners for use in adapting this technology into existing systems.
This is a disruptive technology that will not only benefit NASA but also the hypersonics field as a material for leading edges, control surfaces and scramjet engines; A successful project leads to peer reviewed publications and/or an NTR; successful project resulting in a oxidation resistant UHTC will enhance capabilities across NASA. This can lead to improvements in current engine nozzles, re-entry and control surfaces of flight vehicles and scramjet component materials. Additionally, processing and material knowledge for these high-entropy carbides has direct translation for tailored NTP engine materials (i.e. tailored for low or high neutron absorption cross sections, etc.). As such this technology can significantly reduce risk, cost and keep us on schedule for these development tasks.
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This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
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